The view from St Giles Hill is a panorama of the city. There is a handy Information point on the edge of the open area which gives the names and
locations of the major landmarks. The viewing point is still somewhat obscured by brushwood growth, but the Local Authority have upgraded the area with a new viewing platform and improvements to the paths in the area.
There is an interesting, and rather ornate, sculpted seat slightly up the hill, conveniently placed for a relaxed enjoyment of the view. Access is via a series of steps and rustic paths from the City side, with an
alternative route from the area of the Chesil Car Park.

In the panoramic view below, the row of white houses in the centre foreground (Eastgate Street) leads round
(left) to The Broadway where King Alfredīs Statue may be seen.

From here, just past the Guildhall on the left, the High Street runs Northward toward the offices of Hampshire County
Council, the two large buildings just left of centre and below the skyline. The large tower block (Top left) is the Hampshire Police HQ.

St. Giles Hill is the summit of a Chalk Spur, which fails steeply to east bank of River Itchen. Formerly a bare down, on which, in the late 11th Century, the St. Giles Fair,
the largest fair in Europe was held every September. For the sixteen days of the fair, all other trading in Winchester ceased, and the Bishop received the revenues normally due to the King. Encroached upon by villa
building at the end of the 19th Century, when the trees to be seen today were planted. Public outcry stopped the building, and saved the summit and south west slopes of hill as open space, which affords
magnificent views over the City and St. Catherine’s Hill.